Massena Town Board clears a path for controversial data center

The Massena Town Board in New York voted 3-2 against a proposed six-month moratorium that would have restricted the development of a new data center. The decision came after an hour of public comment where residents were sharply divided on the issue.

North Country Collocation Services (NCCS) plans to build a 1.5 million-square-foot, 635-megawatt data center near the St. Lawrence River. Opponents, including Mohawks United in Safety and Health, raised concerns about potential spikes in electricity rates, excessive water consumption, and the long-term social and environmental risks, citing a history of industrial pollution in the Akwesasne community. Marina Johnson Zafiris of Akwesasne advocated for a three-year moratorium to allow for comprehensive research.

Conversely, supporters, such as Massena Fire Department Chief Tom Millar and IBW Local 910 Electrical Workers member Travis Flint, argued that the data center could boost the local economy and create jobs in a town that has struggled with declining industry. Massena council member Jared Hollander, who voted against the moratorium, expressed a willingness to work with developers to benefit the community. Ronni Sunday of Mohawks United in Safety and Health expressed confusion over the town board's decision, noting that they had initially considered the need for more research.

Despite the local board's rejection of the moratorium, New York State already has a one-year moratorium in place to assess the impact of data centers on the electric grid, consumer costs, and the environment. Critics hoped a local restriction would serve as an additional safeguard.